west africa
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West Africa's early heat wave signals climate change's impact
West Africa experienced an unprecedented early heat wave, intensified by global warming.
In short:
- Climate change has made extreme heat events in West Africa, like the recent heat wave, ten times more likely, exacerbating the heat index significantly.
- The heat wave prompted additional hydration breaks during the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament, highlighting the immediate impacts on daily activities.
- Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and outdoor workers, face heightened risks due to inadequate access to cooling resources.
Key quote:
"Many, many people wouldn’t have been acclimatized to the heat."
— Wasiu Adeniyi Ibrahim, head of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s central forecast office
Why this matters:
This early heat wave is a clear signal of how climate change is not just a distant threat but a current reality affecting millions. The health implications are immediate and severe, with the most vulnerable in society bearing the brunt of these climate-induced extremes. Intense heat waves induced by climate change create favorable conditions for air pollution to worsen. Scientists say this isn’t likely to change unless action is taken.
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